Termite control methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling insect population or activity by using electromagnetic field source of certain frequency and intensity coupled with insect food sources/attractants. The present invention can be used to protect a natural or man-made structure from termite infestation. The present invention can also be used for controlling activity of other social insects such as ants, bees and wasps.

This invention was made with Government support under U.S. Department ofAgriculture/Forest Service Grant Number 04-JV-11111136-104. TheGovernment may have certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of insect control technology, andmore specifically, to methods and apparatus for controlling termiteactivity, movement and population using radio waves (e.g.electromagnetic fields) within a certain frequency range. The methodsand apparatus may be used to protect a structure from termiteinfestation.

2. Background of the Technology

Untreated termite infestations lead to irreversible structural damage inbuildings throughout the world. As a result, a myriad of treatments tocontrol or destroy termite populations have been developed. Because ofthe potential negative environmental impact of insecticides,environmentally friendly alternatives have been the primary focus of thelatest research.

A significant amount of prior art focuses on the use of electromagneticfields to control (repel and/or negatively affect) termites. U.S. Pat.No. 5,473,836, issued to Liu discloses a method for removing insectsfrom “hidden places” by inducing an electromagnetic field to createphysical vibrations. U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,946 issued to Mah discloses amethod for creating an electromagnetic field to which pests reactadversely. U.S. Pat. No. 5,442,876 issued to Pederson discloses a methodfor controlling termites by heating the area where termites are locatedto temperatures which are lethal to living organisms by means ofelectromagnetic energy. U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,779 issued to Bergerioux etal. discloses a method in which a low frequency, randomly varyingmagnetic field is generated by a device such that it interacts with theearth's geomagnetic field to eliminate (repel) rodents and similar pestslocated above and below ground level in the area surrounding the device.

The use of electrical energy has also been employed in efforts toeliminate (repel and/or negatively affect) termites. U.S. Pat. No.5,210,719 issued to Lawrence discloses an apparatus and method whichuses a sweep-frequency, high voltage generator coupled to an applicatorgun for feeding electric power into pest-infested dielectrics, forexample termite-infested wood. U.S. Pat. No. 4,366,644 issued toLawrence discloses a method that involves the application of broadbandradio frequency or multifrequency high-voltage electrical energy totermite shelter tubes, galleries and nests and to the bodies of termitesin those areas. The '644 patent describes methods to kill termitesdirectly by electroshock or indirectly by creating interference with thedigestive processes of termites. U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,623 issued toLawrence discloses an apparatus and method, which uses a phase-lockedhigh voltage, high frequency pulse generator capable of“quasi-unlimited” power output and an applicator gun for feedingelectric power into pest-infested dielectrics, for example termiteinfested wood. U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,468 issued to Lawrence discloses amethod that involves killing termites by the application of broadband,high voltage electrical energy to habitats of termites.

The application of microwave energy has also been employed in theattempt to control (repel and/or negatively affect) termites. U.S. Pat.No. 5,575,106 issued to Martin et al. discloses a method of using lowvoltage “microwave horns” to kill termite populations. U.S. Pat. No.5,896,696 issued to Stokes et al. discloses an apparatus and method forgenerating and radiating energy at specific wavelengths for the purposeof adversely affecting the nervous systems of “small insects.”

While these environmentally friendly methods of controlling termiteshave avoided the use of conventional pesticides, they have failed toadequately protect termite-susceptible structures from infestation. U.S.Pat. No. 6,837,001 to Amburgey et al. describes a method to attracttermites to a selected area using radio waves and thereby provideprotection from termites for other adjacent areas. The frequency of theradio waves ranged from about 1-100 megahertz with intensities 1-100 Kwatts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controllingtermite movement or population by (1) positioning an electromagneticfield source at a frequency of less than 4000 Hz with an intensity of 1milliwatt to 1 kilowatt as a termite attractant in the proximity of atarget location that is inhabitable by termites and (2) producingelectromagnetic fields to attract termites towards the frequency fieldsource and away from the undesired location. The method is alsoapplicable to other social insects such as ants, bees and wasps.

In a preferred embodiment, the termite attractant comprises atermite-degradable material such as wood. In another preferredembodiment, the termite attractant comprises a toxic bait, a light trap,or a termite trap that is capable of eliminating the attracted termites.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a system for controllingtermite activity or population, comprising an electromagnetic fieldsource at a frequency of less than 4000 Hz with an intensity of 1milliwatt to 1 kilowatt; and a termite attractant comprising a termitedegradable material. The system can also be used to control activity ofother social insects such as ants, bees and wasps.

In a preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic field source comprises avoltage portion and an antenna portion, wherein said antenna portion ismountable on or adjacent to the termite attractant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A-1D show diagram representations of different embodiments of theelectromagnetic field generating system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic showing a device capable of generatingelectromagnetic fields with extremely low frequencies (ELF), super lowfrequencies (SLF), ultra low frequencies (ULF) or very low frequencies(VLF).

FIGS. 3 shows termites at an introduction point of a test chamber.

FIG. 4 shows that there are no termites on a source producingelectromagnetic fields at 4000 Hz with an intensity of 1 milliwatt to 1kilowatt indicating repellency, directing 100% FST to the control inreplicated 14-day studies.

FIG. 5 shows VLF 4000 Hz test chamber, there is no FST foraging within11.5″ (29.21 cm) of the #1 source producing electromagnetic fields at4000 Hz.

FIG. 6 shows a VLF 4000 Hz test chamber, 100% FST are on the control andno FST are on the source producing electromagnetic fields at 4000 Hz.

FIG. 7 shows that, in an ultra-low frequency test chamber, 95% of FSTare directed to the source producing electromagnetic fields at 1000 Hzand an average of 88% FST are directed to the electromagnetic fieldsource verses the control after 14-day replicated studies.

FIG. 8 is a closer view of the ULF source directing FST to a sourceproducing electromagnetic fields at 1000 Hz.

FIG. 9 is an ULF 2000 Hz test chamber, in which 85% of the FST aredirected to a source producing electromagnetic fields at 2000 Hz and anaverage of 78% FST are directed to the electromagnetic field sourceverses the control after 14-day replicated studies.

FIG. 10 shows, in an ULF 2000 Hz test chamber with a large shelter tubebuilt from the center of the test chamber from the control to the sourceproducing electromagnetic fields at 2000 Hz.

FIG. 11 is an up close view of FST on the source producingelectromagnetic fields at 2000 Hz.

FIG. 12 shows, in a VLF 3000 Hz test chamber, foraging to a sourceproducing electromagnetic fields at 3000 Hz from the control in a directpattern which had 90% of FST directed to the source versus the controland averaged 87% after 14-day replicated studies.

FIG. 13 shows FST on/in the source producing electromagnetic fields at3000 Hz.

FIG. 14 shows, in a VLF 3000 Hz test chamber, FST underneath theelectromagnetic field source.

FIG. 15 shows, in a VLF 3000 Hz test chamber, the underside of theelectromagnetic field source with FST tunneling to the electromagneticfield source.

FIG. 16 is a close up view of the underside of the VLF 3000 Hz testchamber.

FIG. 17 shows an ELF/SLF 30 Hz test chamber with 100% of FST directed tothe source producing electromagnetic fields at 30 Hz and no termites onthe control after the 14-day replicated studies.

FIG. 18A is a bottom view of a control in an ELF/SLF 30 Hz test chambershowing no visible termites.

FIG. 18B is a top view of the control of FIG. 18A in an ELF/SLF 30 Hztest chamber showing no visible termites on the control after 14-dayreplicated studies.

FIG. 19A is a top view of the right side of ELF/SLF 30 Hzelectromagnetic field source and FIG. 19B is a top view of the left sideof /SLF 30 Hz electromagnetic field source. FIGS. 19A and 19B showtermites consuming the wood, filling the coils with sand and chewedplastic from the wire coils in the shelter tubing in the right sidephoto.

FIG. 20 is a SLF/ULF 300 Hz test chamber showing 100% of the termitesdirected to the source producing electromagnetic fields at 300 Hz and notermites on the control after 14-day replicated studies.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are the top view and bottom view, respectively, of aSLF/ULF 300 Hz test chamber non-energized control that showed no termiteactivity after 14-day replicated studies.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are the top view and bottom view, respectively, of aSLF/ULF 300 Hz electromagnetic field source that had 100% of the termiteactivity after the 14-day replicated studies.

FIG. 23 is a bar graph summarizing the replicated results of theexperiments described in FIGS. 3-22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is presented to enable any personskilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes ofexplanation, specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that these specific details are not required topractice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications areprovided only as representative examples. Various modifications to thepreferred embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in theart, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from the scope of theinvention. The present invention is not intended to be limited to theembodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that termitesare attracted by electromagnetic fields in a frequency of less than 4000Hz. One aspect of the present invention, as described below and shown inthe accompanying figures, relates to a method for controlling termitesby attracting termites either into a termite control device or to anarea away from an infested structure to an area using radio waves (e.g.electromagnetic fields) in the frequency range of 1-3999 Hz.

Electromagnetic fields in the frequency range of 1-4000 Hz can begenerated by an oscillator and antenna and is well known to one skilledin the art [Constantine Balanis, “Antenna Theory, Analysis and Design,3rd. Ed.”, John Wiley and Sons, (2005); Warren Stutzmann, et al.,“Antenna Theory and Design, 2nd. Ed.”, John Wiley and Sons, (1998)].Depending on the size of a protected area, the power output of theelectromagnetic field source can vary from about 1 milliwatt to about 1kilowatt. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the electromagnetic field generationsystem, generally shown at 10, can be configured to position at leastone electromagnetic source 12 in a transmission area 14. Anelectromagnetic field generation system 16 is designed to provideelectromagnetic fields in the range of 1-3999 Hz within a transmissionarea 14. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the transmitter 16 can beoperationally connected to more than one transmitting device 12.

The electromagnetic field transmitting system 10 can have variedconfigurations where the transmitting device 12 can be positionedadjacent to or circumferentially disposed around a natural or man-madetermite-degradable structure 18 for which protection from termite damageis desired (FIGS. 1A-D). The structure 18 can have a degradablecomponent and therefore be susceptible to termite damage. The differenttransmitting system configurations depicted in FIGS. 1A-1D arenon-limiting examples, the pattern of which can be widely varied withoutdeparting from the concept of the present invention.

Within the effective range of the transmission area 14, natural orman-made termite-degradable materials can be positioned so as to providea food source/attractant 20 for termites that is localized within thetransmission area 14. Inclusion of the food source/attractant 20, inaddition to increasing the effectiveness of the termite-attraction ofthe transmitting device 12, also provides foci for termite infestationin the transmission area 14. By focusing the relocation of the termitesto the attractant 20, subsequent containment, collection, or eliminationof the termites by conventional means can be facilitated. One skilled inthe art would understand that the size of the transmission area 14 isdetermined by the design and output power of the electromagnetic field12. The electromagnetic field 12 or antenna portions of the radio wavetransmitters 12, as well as the attractant 20, should be placed insufficient proximity of the termite degradable structure so as the foodsource/attractant directs the termites away from the termite degradablestructure.

The termite food source/attractant 20 can be anything that attractstermites, including but not limited to, bait stations, termite traps,and light traps. A bait station is typically comprised of anon-biodegradable holder (e.g. plastic) that is placed in the substrate(soil) and holds a cellulose material (termite food/wood or purecellulose monitoring stake). The bait stations are then placed near astructure (e.g., a house) in areas that are susceptible to termiteattack. If termites inhabit the bait station the cellulose material canbe removed and a cellulose/toxicant mixture (bait matrix) can be addedto the bait station to eliminate the termite colony. Bait stations arecommercially available from, for example, Dow Agro-Sciences. A termitetrap is simply a container, such as a bucket with small openings or amilk crate, filled with wood and placed in the substrate near a termiteinfested site. A termite trap is similar to a bait station but is largerin size and is used to collect termites for laboratory trials. [seee.g., Tamashiro, et al., Environmental Entomology 2:721-722 (1973)].Light traps are generally constructed using a light, a sticky pad (e.g.,rodent pad with a strong adhesive for trapping small rodents) and astructure to mount the two close together to attract Formosansubterranean termite altaes (winged termites). More information on thelight trap can be found at(http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/oct98/term 1098.htm).

In one embodiment, the food source/attractant 20 comprises natural orman-made termite-degradable materials that attract termites away fromthe structure 18 but do not kill the attracted termites. In anotherembodiment, the food source/attractant 20 comprises materials (such astoxic baits) and/or devices (such as termite traps) that are capable ofkilling the attracted termites.

The method is applicable to all termite species including, but notlimited to, subterranean termites such as Coptotermes spp.,Reticulitermes spp., and Drywood termites (Cryptotermes, Kalotermes,ect.). species. The method is also applicable to other social insectssuch as ants, bees and wasps. Unlike conventional remedial termitecontrol methods, the present invention provides a method to controlsubterranean, surface, and dispersal flight movement of termites beforeor after infestation of an area in need of protection. The inclusion ofattraction augmentation in the electromagnetic field transmitting system10 of the present invention further permits the localization bydirecting movement of the termites within the transmission area.

The present invention can be used to attract termites to thetransmission area 14 for containment, collection, study, or elimination.By properly positioning the transmitting system 10 relative to a naturalor man-made structure 18 for which termite protection is desired, thetermites can be attracted away from the material or structure 18 that isto be protected and drawn towards the transmitting system 10.Non-limiting examples of transmitting system configurations which can beused to provide protection for a material or object, such as a house,fence, utility pole, or any material subject to termite infestation areshown in FIGS. 1A-D.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the electromagnetic fieldstransmitting system 10 can also be used within a termite degradablestructure 18, such as a house. In one embodiment, the electromagneticfield transmitting system 10 comprises one or more small electromagneticfield wave transmitters 12 and one or more food source/attractants 20that are capable of killing the attracted termites. The electromagneticfield wave transmitters 12 and the food source/attractants 20 are placednear or around a termite infested area within the termite degradablestructure 18. The food source/attractants 20, with the augmentation fromthe electromagnetic fields emitted from the electromagnetic fieldtransmitters 12 , attract termites away from the infested area andeliminate the attracted termites. The method is described in more detailin U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,001 to Amburgey et al., which is hereinincorporated by reference. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic fieldtransmitters 12 are coil shaped antennas capable of generating ELF, SLF,ULF and VLF electromagnetic fields.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a device for generating very-low toextra-low frequency radio waves in a restricted area. The devicecomprises three basic components: (1) a voltage source, (2) a currentcontrol circuit and (3) a coil. As shown in FIG. 2, the alternatingcurrent (AC) voltage source Vs produces a sinusoidal voltage at a singlefrequency within the ELF (3-30 Hz), SLF (30-300 Hz), ULF (300 Hz-3 kHz)or VLF (3-30 kHz) bands. The actual frequency used will depend on thefunction of the device to attract (3999 Hz-0.0009 Hz) or repel (4000Hz-5 KHz) social insects such as termites. The amplitude of thesinusoidal voltage will depend on the designed range of the device forthe desired application. The current control circuit consists of avariable resistor R that is used to control the source current Is. Thesource current passes through a coil that radiates the desiredelectromagnetic field at the frequency of the source. The coil geometryshown in FIG. 2 is a multiple-turn loop coil. The coil core materialwill depend on the application of the device to attract or repel aparticular social insect. The multiple-turn loop coil was used in theexamples described below. Other coil geometrics may also be used.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following exampleswhich should not be construed as limiting. The contents of allreferences, patents and published patent applications cited throughoutthis application, as well as the Figures and Tables, are incorporatedherein by reference.

EXAMPLES

Termite Collection

Formosan subterranean Termites (Coptotermes formosanus, FST) and Easternsubterranean Termites (Reticulitermes flavipes, EST) were collected fromand around the Mississippi State University (MSU) Formosan TermiteResearch Facility and the Stennis Space Center using methods describedby Tamashiro et al. [Tamashiro, et al., Environmental Entomology2:721-722, (1973)] and Kard et al. [Kard et al., Sociobiology41:2:295-511, (2003)]. If stored, termites were held at the facilityusing methods described in the referenced articles.

Test Chamber

Two clear Plexiglas sheets 105 cm×105 cm sandwiched a sand media similarto Puche and Su, 2001 [J. Econ Entomol. 94:1398-1404, (2001)]. ThePlexiglas was separated on four sides by acrylic spacers 2.54 cm×2.54cm×105 cm. A piece of weathered southern yellow pine sapwood (SYP, Pinusspp.) 1.27 cm×1.27 cm×20 cm was used as a control 30 cm from the centertermite release point and a source producing electromagnetic fields(very low frequencies, VLF) was attached to a SYP specimen similar tothe control and was installed on the opposing side of the termiterelease point at the same distance. Both pieces of wood were aged bybeing cribbed-stacked outside for 6 months prior to the use in tests.The Plexiglas, inside of the spacers, was filled with 1866 g (1200 ml)of pool-sand that was sifted and moistened with a spray of 400 ml ofde-ionized water.

Test Method

One thousand termites of either species (FST and EST) were used in eachcenter release test chamber (one termite species per test unit). Eachspecies was used in ratios as they are found in nature. A 20% soldier toworker ratio for FST and a 1% soldier to worker ratio for EST was used.Termites were counted at the end of 14 days to determine which foodchoice was desired.

In this example, electromagnetic fields of the appropriate frequencywere generated using a function generator producing an Ac current. Thecoil was a SYP stake with 18 gauge wire coiled around it in 100 loops.The desired intensity in the first test was 0.720 mA with various testfrequencies and doubled for the second set of replicates. Multiplefrequencies were tested at one time (one per Plexiglas test unit), andreplicated in time. These frequencies are listed in Tables 1 and 2.

Testing Results

Recorded results from directing movement of C. formosanus using radiowaves (e.g. electromagnetic fields) at VLF (3-30 kHz) and ULF (300-3000Hz) frequencies at Mississippi State University (MSU) Formosan TermiteResearch Facility in McNeill, Miss. (January-March 2005) are shown inTable 1 and Table 2. Mortality for test date Feb. 02, 2005 was highbecause the termites escaped before 14 days except in the chamber thatheld the 3000 Hz coil. Therefore, numbers for replicate test one arebased on 7 day recordings. Mortality was 10% for replicate date Mar. 03,2005 and 5% for replicate date Mar. 16, 2005. Ultra-low frequency (ULF)1000 Hz had a higher percentage of FST on the coil than any other testedfrequency tested in the series of: ULF 2000 Hz, VLF 3000 Hz and 4000 Hz.VLF 4000 Hz never had termites on the coil at the end of the elapsedtime of the 14-day test periods. ULF 2000 Hz and VLF 3000 Hz had ahigher percentage of FST termites on these VLF and ULF coils than thecontrols.

Test results for test period Apr. 15, 2005 using SLF and ELF areimpressive and are shown in Table 3. Two of the frequencies tested hadcomplete, greater than ULF 1000 Hz, control directing the behavior ofFST. SLF of 300 Hz and ELF of 30 Hz had 100% of the termites on the coilafter the allotted 14-day time period. Low frequency 30 kHz showedlittle control over the behavior of the FST, having only one half of theFST (50%) on the coil.

Soldier to worker ratio 20%:80% was attempted with FST throughout thereplicates. Cold weather throughout the months of January and Februarylimited available termites. Weather below 40° F. caused the C.formosanus to migrate into the ground, and at this temperature termiteswere occasionally found in the centers of buried, fallen timber. On themornings of February 17, March 2, and March 16, temperatures were at orbelow 40° F. which made termites sparse. Therefore, termites that wereavailable were used and noted in tests. The limited amounts of termitesmade it difficult to obtain the desired number of soldiers, but 800workers were constant in every experiment. Once termites were placed inthe chamber, keeping the chambers sealed with one main respiration ventand a constant room temperature at 85° F. was the best situation forlimiting termite mortality, keeping them comfortable throughout thetest. Once poured inside the containers, the termites initiallydispersed in every direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the termites found the control wood easily and itappeared that they were eventually “pushed” in large numbers to thecontrol within the first few hours and away from the VLF 4000 Hz source.There were a few termites on the coil initially when the FST wereintroduced into the test chamber. After a couple of hours, the fewtermites left the coil and no FST ever returned to the unit for 14-daytest period (FIG. 4). In one replicate, the termites tunneled around theperimeter of the chamber (this did not occur in all tests) and never gotwithin 11.5 inches (29.21 cm) of the test unit for test period Mar. 16,2005 and did not occupy the shelter tubes at the end of 14-day elapsedtime period of the test (FIG. 5). In three replicates, the coiloperating at VLF 4000 Hz never had termites (0% of FST) and the controlwas completely colonized in every replicate (FIG. 6).

Upon introduction into the ULF 1000 Hz test chamber, FST acted verysimilar as termites had in other test frequency ranges, but slightlymore termites accumulated on the coil. After a couple of hours thetermites were directed to the coil. At the end of 14-day test period inreplicated studies, almost every living termite was on, under or insidethe coil (88.8% of FST) as seen in FIGS. (7-8). There was an average of137 FST on the control wood at the end of the 14-day elapsed test periodin the replicated tests seen in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Upon introduction into the ULF 2000 Hz test chamber, the termitesinitially reacted similar to VLF 1000 Hz except termites would find thecontrol, colonize it and then tunnel back to the middle of the box wherethey had been introduced. FST would then tunnel to the experimental unit(ULF source). There were more FST on, under, and in the experimentalunit (86.6%) than the control after 14-day replicated studies shown inFIGS. 9-11.

The introduction of FST into the VLF 3000 Hz test chambers producedresults unlike any of the other experiments. Once introduced, every FSTforaged to the control for almost twenty-four hours. After a day hadpassed the termites began to forage from the control wood to the VLFcoil. On the 14th day of the study, more FST were on, under and in theexperimental unit (89.6%) than the control unit in replicated testsshown in FIGS. 12-16.

Based on these results, further tests were performed using SLF at 30 Hzand ELF at 300 Hz. The SLF 30 Hz coil had every living FST in the testchamber on the SLF coil (100% FST on the coil, FIGS. 17-19). ELF 300 Hzcoil also directed every living FST to the coil, altering their behavior(100% FST on the coil, FIGS. 20-22). These frequencies as well as theVLF frequencies would be similar to the ones used for tactical submarinecommunications that have been shown to direct FST behavior.

FIG. 23 summaries the results from the above-described experiments.Similar results were also obtained with Reticulitermes flavipes. Asshown in FIG. 23, radio waves (e.g. electromagnetic fields) in thefrequency range of 1-3000 Hz are very effective in attracting termitesand it is believed that radio waves (e.g. electromagnetic fields) inthis frequency range will attract other social insects such as ants,bees and wasps.

TABLE 1 Results from Replicates. Frequency (Hz) Termites/Comments DateColony in McNeill Down Log (Feb. 2, 2005)-(Feb. 15, 2005) 4000 800Workers = 3.31 g Termites escaped but escaped away 181 Soldiers = 0.66 gfrom the test coil. 100% Mortality. (18.4% out of 981) 3000 800 Workers= 2.95 g Termites escaped but about 850 @ 200 Soldiers = 1.01 g 7-days &600 @ 14 days were on (20% out of 1,000) the coil. 30% Mortality. 2000800 Workers = 3.18 g Termites grazed on coil (700-7 200 Soldiers = 0.57g days) but left; after 14 days escaped on (20% out of 1,000) the coilside. 100% Mortality. 1000 800 Workers = 3.12 g Termites grazed on coil(750-7 200 Soldiers = 0.92 g days) but left after 14 days; escaped (20%out of 1,000) on coil side. 100% Mortality Colony McNeill Live Tree(Mar. 3, 2005)-(Mar. 15, 2005) 4000 800 Workers Termites (787) were allon the 075 Soldiers control wood away from the coil. (8.6% out of 875)Mortality was 10% 3000 800 Workers = 2.95 g Termites (742) were on thecoil, 170 Soldiers = 1.01 g Mortality was 10%. (17.5% out of 970)Control = 131 2000 800 Workers = 3.18 g Termites (541) were on the coil,110 Soldiers = 0.57 g Mortality was 15%. (11.3% out of 910) Control =107 1000 800 Workers = 3.12 g Termites (754) were on the coil, 082Soldiers = 0.92 g Mortality was 10%. (9.3% out of 882) Control = 128Colony Derby Train Depo (Mar. 16, 2005)-(Mar. 30, 2005) 4000 800 Workers= 3.31 g No termites were on the coil (855), 100 Soldiers = 0.66 g about5% mortality. (11.1% out of 900) 3000 800 Workers = 2.95 g Termites oncoil (753) with the rest 100 Soldiers = 1.01 g back and forth betweenmiddle and (11.1% out of 900) control, Mortality 7%. Control = 84 2000800 Workers = 3.18 g Termites on coil (726), Mortality 100 Soldiers =0.57 g 5%. (11.1% out of 900) Control = 129 1000 800 Workers = 3.12 gTermites almost all in coil (787), 100 Soldiers = 0.92 g Mortality 8%.(11.1% out of 900) Control = 41

TABLE 2 Summary of Table 1 results. Results (FST attracted Frequency(Hz) to coil) Date 4000 0 (Feb. 2, 2005)-(Feb. 15, 2005) 3000 85% 200070% 1000 75% (Mar. 3, 2005)-(Mar. 15, 2005) 4000 0 3000 85% 2000 70%1000 95% (Mar. 16, 2005)-(Mar. 30, 2005) 4000 0 3000 90% 2000 85% 100095% Mean Results February-March 4000 0 3000 86.6%   2000 78.3%   100088.8%  

TABLE 3 Test results for period starting Apr. 15, 2005. FrequencyResults (FST attracted (Hz) to coil) Date 30,000 50% (Apr. 15,2005)-(May 05, 2005) 3000 Top of the test chamber lost (Apr. 15,2005)-(May 05, 2005) its seal and dried out near the coil. About 100termites remained in the coil despite the low moisture and the restmoved to the control where the moisture was. The power had also beenlost for two days during the test. 300 100% (Apr. 15, 2005)-(May 05,2005) 30 100% (Apr. 15, 2005)-(May 05, 2005)

The above description is for the purpose of teaching the person ofordinary skill in the art how to practice the present invention, and itis not intended to detail all those obvious modifications and variationsof which it will become apparent to the skilled worker upon reading thedescription. It is intended, however, that all such obviousmodifications and variations be included within the scope of the presentinvention, which is defined by the following claims. The claims areintended to cover the claimed components and steps in any sequence whichis effective to meet the objectives there intended, unless the contextspecifically indicates the contrary.

1. A method of directing termite movement toward an antenna portion ofan electromagnetic field source and a termite food source/attractant inproximity to a target location, said target location being inhabitableby termites, the method comprising the step of: emitting anelectromagnetic field from said antenna portion of said electromagneticfield source at a frequency of less than 4000 Hz that attracts termitesto said antenna portion, wherein the termites are attracted by saidelectromagnetic field away from said target location and toward saidelectromagnetic field source and termite food/attractant, wherein saidtermite food source/attractant comprises a termite bait, and whereinsaid termite bait is a toxic bait.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid termite food source/attractant comprises a material selected fromthe group consisting of a natural wooden object, a man-made woodenobject, a termite-degradable object, a termite bait material, and astructure that includes a wooden or cellulose-containing component. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein said step of emitting an electromagneticfield further comprises emitting said electromagnetic field at afrequency of about 1 Hz to about 3000 Hz.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein said step of emitting an electromagnetic field further comprisesemitting said electromagnetic field at a frequency of about 1 Hz toabout 1000 Hz.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein said step of emittingan electromagnetic field further comprises emitting said electromagneticfield at a frequency of about 300 Hz.
 6. The method of claim 4, whereinsaid step of emitting an electromagnetic field further comprisesemitting said electromagnetic field at a frequency of about 30 Hz. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein said step of emitting an electromagneticfield further comprises emitting said electromagnetic field at anintensity of less than 1 kilowatt.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereinsaid step of emitting an electromagnetic field further comprisesemitting said electromagnetic field at an intensity of less than 1 watt.9. The method of claim 7, wherein said step of emitting anelectromagnetic field further comprises emitting said electromagneticfield at an intensity of about 1 milliwatt to about 1 kilowatt.
 10. Amethod of protecting a target area from termite activity comprising:positioning an electromagnetic field source capable of emitting anelectromagnetic field at a frequency in a range of about 1 Hz to 3000 Hzand at an intensity of about 1 milliwatt to 1 kilowatt that attractstermites and a termite food source/attractant in a location adjacent tosaid target area, wherein said termite food source/attractant comprisesa termite bait, and wherein said termite bait is a toxic bait; andemitting an electromagnetic field from said electromagnetic field sourceat said frequency and at said intensity, wherein said termites areattracted toward said location and away from said target area, therebyprotecting said target area from termite activity.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said step of emitting an electromagnetic field furthercomprises emitting said electromagnetic field at a frequency of about 1Hz to 300 Hz.